Friedman & Ranzenhofer Legal Blog

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New York Landlords Can't Retaliate

New York tenants can use retaliation as a defense to a landlord’s eviction suit.  The landlord is presumed to have retaliated against the tenant if the retaliation takes place within six months after: The tenant complained to the government (e.g. health department or building inspectors); The tenant sued the landlord to enforce the rights under […]

Landlord May Cancel Lease With Porn Merchant

A New York tenant who intended to operate a store for the sale of pornographic materials has an affirmative duty to disclose that fact to the landlord, because such a store may have an adverse impact on neighboring properties. When the tenant responded to the landlord’s ad for a vacant store for rent, he stated […]

Town May Refuse Building Permit For Assisted Living

A New York developer planned to build a 72- unit assisted living facility for the aged with staff offering residents assistance with meals and daily activities, but not skilled nursing care.  The proposed site is zoned partly for commercial use and partly for residential use. After the Board of Zoning Appeals rejected the builder’s bid […]

What Are The Executor’s Responsibilities?

A Will names an executor who has the power to petition the Surrogate’s Court to probate it.  An executor is the “personal representative” and fiduciary of the decedent and as such must administer the estate.  The executor must ensure that the Will is carried out.  In general, the executor must: Handle funeral arrangements and pay […]

What Qualities And Abilities Should An Estate Executor Have?

When you write a Will as testator in Rochester, NY, it is especially important to choose competent and trustworthy executors and alternate executors.Otherwise, even careful estate planning may be rendered useless.The executor can be any person or institution that you choose.However, an executor should be: Experienced and competent in business matters; Familiar with your business, […]

New York Medicaid Penalty Regional Rates For 2010

The 2010 New York Medicaid regional rates used to determine a transfer of assets penalty period are: Region Monthly Regional Rate Central New York $7,264 Long Island, NY $11,227 New York City $10,285 Northeastern New York $7,927 Northern Metropolitan NY $10,163 Rochester, NY $9,058 Western New York $7,694 These rates are based on average nursing […]

What Is Probate?

Probate is the process of proving that the Will of a deceased person (testator) is in fact his or her Will and reflects his or her wishes.The purpose of probate is to prove the validity of the Will, have the executor appointed and administer the estate. A Will may not be probated unless the Surrogate’s […]

Where Can I Find Free Information On NY Landlord-Tenant Law?

New York landlord-tenant guides are available free online from the New York courts, the New York Division of Human Rights, the New York Attorney General, the New York City Bar Association, HUD, the New York Health Department  and other agencies and organizations, as follows: Guide to the NY Courts http://www.nysba.org/ Fair Housing Guide http://www.dhr.state.ny.us/pdf/DHR_FairHousing4.11.pdf Housing […]

New Mortgage Foreclosure Law

Comprehensive New York foreclosure legislation provides additional critical protections for NewYork State homeowners, tenants and neighborhoods in the wake of the ongoing foreclosure crisis. The legislation builds upon the 2008 landmark sub-prime lending reform law protecting homeowners currently at risk of foreclosure and minimizing the negative impacts that foreclosures have on communities. It protects homeowners […]

New York Child Passenger Protection Act

The New York Child Passenger Protection Act, also known as Leandra’s Law, makes penalties for drunk driving with child passengers the toughest in the nation. Beginning on December 18, 2009, Leandra’s Law makes it a first-time Class E felony offense for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs while transporting passengers age 15 and […]